1. WHO strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
months of life. At six months, other foods should complement
breastfeeding for up to two years or more. In addition:

breastfeeding should begin within an hour of birth;

breastfeeding should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night; and

bottles or pacifiers should be avoided.

2. Breast
milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all
the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains
antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses -
such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child
mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable,
which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.
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3. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. The practice when done exclusively
often induces a lack of menstruation, which is a natural (though not
fail-safe) method of birth control. It reduces risks of breast and
ovarian cancer later in life, helps women return to their pre-pregnancy
weight faster, and lowers rates of obesity.

4. Beyond the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to
a lifetime of good health. Adults who were breastfed as babies often
have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, as well as lower rates
of overweight, obesity and type-2 diabetes. There is evidence that
people who were breastfed perform better in intelligence tests.

5. Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk and
is linked to some risks, such as water-borne diseases that arise from
mixing powdered formula with unsafe water (many families lack access to
clean water). Malnutrition can result from over-diluting formula to
"stretch" supplies. Further, frequent feedings maintain the breast milk
supply. If formula is used but becomes unavailable, a return to
breastfeeding may not be an option due to diminished breast milk
production.